Celtic Discovery Day 9
Celtic Discovery
Day 9 - April 1, 2004 - Muckross Estate
For the first time in Ireland, we woke up to actual rain. It is dark and wet this morning but this is what makes Ireland so green.
Our breakfast in the sun room (none today) was delightful. We had home baked pastries, and then the usual fruits, cereals, juices, and then the hot breakfast made to order.
We headed out at 9 AM for a walk in the rain to Muckross Abbey (Friary). We enjoyed looking at the ruins of this 1445 abbey. Just as interesting was the cemetery with its many Celtic crosses and old gravestones and tombs.
Because it was raining so consistently - they call it a “softie” - Jerry met us at the road and took us the additional mile to Muckross Estate. On the estate's extensive grounds, we saw the lovely gardens and house.
Surprisingly, the 11,000-acre estate that forms the park was given to the nation by a California family that owned it for 31 years. The Tudor-style Muckross House has excellent Victorian furnishings.
It also houses the Kerry Folklife Center, where potters, bookbinders, and weavers demonstrate their crafts. Unfortunately, they would not allow any photos in the house - due to INSURANCE?
At 11:15 we had a private tour of the house that was built in the 1840's and it is still furnished with the original furniture, dark flocked wallpaper, and heavy hardwood carved furniture, and many family portraits. We had lunch at the estate visitor center where we were given a 12.50 food voucher.
At 1:15 we were back in the bus on our way to Killarney. The sun had come out briefly and everything look bright. Killarney is a bustling city with narrow streets, and many specialty shops catering to the local people and a few tourist shops that always attract attention.
We fount two internet shops and were able to send the journal as well as take care personal mail. We walked through the town, and up to the outlet mall which was pretty deserted, the locals favoring family shops.
Jerry had told us that the walk back to the hotel was 3.5 miles so we decided to hike along the bike and pedestrian path that winds through the national forest.
It went past the abbey and meets our local lane back to the Friars Glen. We stopped at the Molly Darcy Pub for a salad and sandwich and then continued our hike, getting back to the hotel at 6:30.
Considering that 10,000 steps is a good day, Gennie’s pedometer showed that we had a great one, walking 16,922 steps or 8.33 miles.
Breakfast, Lunch - Friars Glen Hotel
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